Skoda lands 180kW Octavia RS 245

A month after releasing its upgraded Octavia RS range, Skoda Australia has released piping-hot 180kW RS 245 versions of the mid-size European sports sedan and wagon.

First seen at the Geneva motor show in March, the 245 (horsepower) RS models are priced from $43,390 plus on-road costs.

That makes the Octavia RS 245 sedan $4500 pricier than the standard Octavia 169TSI RS (from $38,890), with the wagon priced just $1500 higher.

Both RS 245 models are available in six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic form, the latter commanding a $2500 premium.

Excluding transmission choices, the 245s bring to six the number of Octavia RS models now available, including the diesel-powered 135TDI DSG sedan and wagon.

Unlike the pre-facelift Octavia RS230 limited-edition models, however, the new RS 245 variants are now full-time members of the Czech brand’s Australian line-up.

The fastest and most powerful Octavia RS models yet bring more performance as well as upgraded styling and equipment.

Under the bonnet is the Volkswagen Group’s 180kW/370Nm EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, which accelerates the sedan to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds (manual sedan), with the wagon just 0.1sec slower.

Key to its improved track performance is an electronically controlled, limited-slip front differential that’s claimed to deliver greater traction and stability in corners.

Exclusive RS 245 exterior features include 19-inch ‘Xtreme’ black allow wheels, black exhaust outlets and an RS 245 instrument cluster and door inserts.

Interior additions include leather and Alcantara sports trim, electrically adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory and auto folding and dimming door mirrors with environmental lights.

Four exterior paint colours are on offer: Corrida Red, Steel Grey, Moon White metallic and Pearl Effect Black Magic (the latter two attracting a $500 premium).

A number of optional packages are also available including the $2300 Tech Pack comprising Automatic Parking Assist, Adaptive Chassis Control, Advanced Keyless Entry including Smart Start (KESSY) and alarm, a premium 10-speaker Canton Sound System and Manoeuvre Braking Assist.

A $1500 Luxury Pack adds Lane Assist, Side Assist with blind spot detection and heated front and rear seats, and all Octavia RS models come with Skoda’s standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and roadside assistance, plus capped-priced servicing every calendar year.

“Skoda has always stood for getting more car for your money, which is easily observed in the new Octavia range,” said Skoda Australia director Michael Irmer.

“With this new, high performance Octavia RS 245, Australian fans will not just see ‘more car’, they’re going to feel it too.”

2018 Skoda Octavia RS pricing (plus ORCs):
169TSI RS sedan -- $38,890
169TSI RS sedan DSG -- $41,390
135TDI RS DSG sedan -- $42,490
180TSI RS 245 sedan -- $43,390
180TSI RS 245 sedan DSG -- $45,890
169TSI RS wagon - $40,390
169TSI RS wagon DSG - $42,890
135TDI RS wagon DSG -- $43,990
180TSI RS 245 wagon -- $44,890
180TSI RS 245 wagon DSG -- $47,390

Options:
Tech Pack -- $2300
Luxury Pack -- $1500
Metallic/Pearl Effect paint -- $500
Sunroof (sedan) -- $1500
Panoramic sunroof (wagon) -- $1700
Automatic boot opening (wagon) -- $500